Wine Dinner #2 with the Family

Steak, Potatoes, and Salad

Over Spring Break, my family and I decided to have a wine dinner at the house. We tasted three different red wines with our meal of steak, potato casserole, salad, and a brownie for dessert. A big thanks to Mom and Dad for cooking the delicious meal!



All of the wines we tasted were red blends, and we started the night by tasting each wine without food to get a first impression of them individually. The three wines that we tried are shown below:

The three wines that we tasted: Menage a Trois, Apothic Red, Unanime.

Mom and Dad enjoying dinner

Unanime 2013, Argentina, $24.99:

This wine was a deep, dark purple/plum color. On the nose, this wine had a strong fruity smell. The taste was smooth with a dry after taste. It was slightly bitter and had hints of berry and dirt as well.

I prefered this wine with the meat, while my Mom and Dad both thought this paired better with the potatoes. Overall, everyone agreed that this wine tasted much better with food and did not prefer it alone.

Total Wine Review: "This is real wine for the money that shows so much depth of fruit and silky tannins, full body yet refined and beautiful. Superb length. A wine that you want to try... again and again. A Blend of 60% cabernet sauvignon, 25% malbec and 15%cabernet franc." 

Apothic Red 2014, California $8.99:

This was a favorite of the night! This wine was a deep maroon color with hints of purple. The smell was sweet, and fruity with hints of vanilla. On the palate, this wine was very smooth and had elements of raspberry. The taste also lingered.

I thought this wine paired nicely with the potatoes, while my Mom and Dad thought this one went better with the meat. This was my favorite wine with the chocolate brownie as well! Overall, everyone agreed that this wine was very tasty and if they had to pick one glass to have with dinner, this would be it.

Total Wine Review: "Intense fruit aromas and flavors of rhubarb and black cherry that are complemented by hints of mocha and vanilla. The plush, velvety mouthfeel and smooth finish round out this intriguing, full-bodied red blend."

Kasey kept us company while eating dinner

Menage a Trois 2014, California $8.99:

This wine was a similar rich, dark red color to the Unanime. The aroma contained mild floral notes with hints of tobacco. The smell of this wine did not appeal to me. The taste was dry and long lasting, with some smokiness and jam flavors present.

This wine tasted better with food, and I thought of the three wines that we tasted, it paired best with the salad. The wine also tasted good paired with the potatoes.

Given everyone's opinions, the Apothic Red was the favorite of the night by far, followed by Menage a Trois, and then by Unanime.

Total Wine Review: "This wine has fresh, ripe, jam like fruit that is the calling card of California wine. Forward, silky and soft, this delicious dalliance makes the perfect accompaniment for grilled meats and chicken."